My copper obsession.......

I promised you photos of the new copper pendants so here they are:

I've already listed them in my etsy shop and will be listing them in my 1000Markets shop shortly.

I haven't yet created the pendant to match my ring but I have come up with a name for the series thanks to Stacie, a fellow SATeam member..........this will be my "Moonrock" series! Fitting, yes?

FINALLY...........

.......Something new to show you!! You may remember, I've had in mind for some time a new series working with metal clay. Here's an unedited, sneak peek photo of the first piece:



My original plan was to incorporate some black pearls but the stock I have on hand was a bit too large - they protruded too much for my liking. I'm really excited about this series - I'm planning a couple of pendant variations and maybe some earrings as well. I haven't decided on a name for the series but I'm close! Before I made the first piece, I had in mind "The Galaxy Series" but looking at it now, I'm not so sure. Suggestions??


I've also started a copper pendant series but they need a bit more fine tuning before I photograph them. I'm so happy to be working on new pieces!! I've also purchased some new supplies for the 'mystery' series that will be available only at Brazen Betties - photos for that soon to come, as well!


And speaking of "unedited photos" I've gotten to the point that I HATE even thinking about having to photograph my work!! Obviously, that's an issue since I sell my pieces online. I'm pretty sure my work won't sell on description alone! I've tried the DIY light box and that hasn't helped my photos. Next step is to buy a light cube kit. I found this which seems pretty reasonable. It comes with a tent, 3 backgrounds, 2 lights, a camera stand and carrying case. But there's also this cube for less. It doesn't include the lights but I've heard others say they use inexpensive lights they've picked up from Home Depot with the daylight bulbs. I'd love to get some feedback! Also, is anyone using a Canon PowerShot SD750? If so, do you have any tips on the settings? I think it's time to get out the manual so I can move away from the auto settings. *sigh* So much to do!! ;-)

1000 Markets - Ever After

With little fanfare, 1000Markets went 'live' this week - or maybe it was last week. They were so quiet about it, if it weren't for the increased traffic, I wouldn't have known!!!

Spring is almost upon us and you know what that means............weddings!!! I've got a few coming up so I thought it would be nice to feature 1000Market's wedding market, Ever After.

"Our vision for Ever After is to connect brides with our Wedding Vendors to create a meaningful shopping experience and to help with wedding planning tips and resources.
Whether it's offering a certain handmade product or just answering some questions, our wedding vendors are here to offer their expertise to make a bride's big day memorable."

From Thyme2Dream, here's something blue for the bride: Sapphire & Ice Elven Headdress Tiara Circlet

And a personalized favor box kit from Simply Embellish:

For the flower girl and ring bearer, this White Magnolias Ring Pillow and Bridal Pouch from Love to Peek Bridal:

For the bride or groom, here's a Recycled Sterling Silver and 14k Gold Wedding Band from McFarland Designs

Here's an 8x10 Guest Book from Flyleaf Books you can customize to coordinate with your wedding theme:

There are so many more wonderful ideas in the Ever After market!! I wish it was around when I got married! Be sure to visit and tell any brides-to-be to stop by!

Mother's Day Etsy Sale.....

The Starving Jewelry Artists Etsy Team has come together for a Mother's Day Sale! Beginning Friday, April 24th and ending Sunday, April 26th participating shops (mine included!!!) will be offering FREE SHIPPING on all purchases!

Check out the SATeam page for participating shops. Happy shopping!!

Poor Economy + Bloggers = Paid Blogging??

I don't know about you guys but I'm noticing an interesting trend..........the worse the economy gets, the advertising requests I'm getting for my blog. I'm not talking about requests from other bloggers. I've been contacted by some major brands and I'm guessing that I'm not the only one!

I was a bit confused at first. I'm proud of the number of followers I have - after all, why would I think anyone wants to hear what I have to say?!?!!? But my numbers are pretty sad compared to some blogs. So why would a national brand contact me? Well, I'd imagine advertising budgets have been cut everywhere so what's better than free or next-to-nothing advertising? Free coupons, a few cents here, a few cents there.....especially if you can almost guarantee that it's going to hit your target market? So their searching out the bloggers. Smart!

I've decided to maintain my focus on supporting handmade and philanthropy regarding any advertising requests I receive, just like I try to do with my Entrecard & Project Wonderful ads. Though I think paid blogging can be a wonderful enterprise (if done correctly), my blog is about promoting my jewelry and the handcrafted work of others. While I'm at it, if I can bring attention to those in need, all the better. And with that being said, I was contacted by The Fresh Air Fund, a very worthy organization. I was lucky enough to grow up in a rural/suburban setting and attend summer camp as a kid. Other's should have the same opportunity so you'll see a permant spot for them in my sidebar. Note - if it's not already obvious, I'm NOT being paid to promote the Fresh Air Fund ;-)

In jewelry making news, I still haven't had a chance to make any of the new pieces I've in mind but I've been filling orders and working on a custom piece. I've spoken with the shop owner of "Brazen Betties" (website coming soon - as soon as it's up, I'll give ya' a link!) about a new offering for the shop. It's nothing spectacularly earth-shattering but I'm excited about it and I think it will fill a 'need' (not that anyone ever needs jewelry!) I'll keep you posted!!

Bad News???

I've mentioned once or twice my 'other' business as a Virtual Assistant/Legal Billing Specialist. In the beginning of the year, things were really looking good! I had 6 clients which doesn't seem like a lot but as a stay-at-home mom, it's plenty! Well, here it is April and, though I've acquired one new client, I'm down to three. It's a bit scary but somehow, I'm not concerned.

On the flip side, I received my first statement from "Brazen Betties" - my first local consignment venue - and I must say, I did much better than I expected! In addition to that, this week I have 7 orders pending between online sales, orders from the shop and friends/family. No where near a full time job (yet!) but I'm moving forward.

My other half has had some work concerns as well. Given the economy, the (very small) company he works for has laid off 5 people. He's been told by many that his job is safe but regardless, that's a difficult situation to be in. His tasks have become a bit...........mundane and without challenge. Taking this job after running his own business (which was doing well but lacked security) was a bit of a let down and he hasn't been certain about what to do. Yesterday, a client/friend phone me and said she knew someone who was drowning in work and desperately needed to hire on another individual with hubby's skills. They haven't connected yet but...........who knows?

We've finally found a church we enjoy as a family. Our attendance has been a bit sporadic but we're getting better. I say this to point out that I know God has a plan for us (and for you, too!). So perhaps these setbacks, concerns and worries are His way of preparing us for something new. Or maybe not. Regardless, I know if we put our trust in Him, our family will be just fine :-)

And speaking of family, I haven't mentioned my little man in a while.........he'll be three in August (how time flies!!) and as a reward for reading this whole post with not even one picture of jewelry, I'll show you a recent pic of my little love:

The other day, he came up to me and said "I love you, mama. You're my best friend." Hearing that cures any ailment, woe or worry I could ever have. It doesn't get any better ;-)

Happy Easter!!!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." 1 Peter 1:3

He is Risen! Amen

New bench..........

Okay, it's not an actual jewelers bench but it is a dedicated area to work on my jewelry!! No hauling a heavy toolbox back and forth to the kitchen table, no packing & unpacking every time I need to make a piece of jewelry, no standing at the kitchen stove while I solder and fire pieces, trying to stay out of the way of whoever might be in the kitchen. Hip, hip, hooray!!! Here's a pic of my new set up:

I'm sharing space with the home office (desk is on the opposite wall) AND the chair but I don't mind! I've a few more purchases to make to finish up my bench...........I'm considering cutting an arc in the middle for easier access all around since the table is a bit deep. What do you think? I'd like to hear about your preference - cut out or not?

Now off to create!!!

Catch up........

I can't believe my last post was St. Patrick's Day! I am so sorry!! So let's see..........

The Grand Opening of "Brazen Betties," a local (Connecticut) artisan shop took place on March 28th and I managed to get all - well most - of my jewelry there! The opening was a blast and I think the shop is going to be a success! Julia, the shop owner, has chosen some awesome designers and artists. The shop has a really ecclectic feel without being scattered or crowded. She's really got an eye! If you're ever in the area, stop by! "Brazen Betties" is located on 95 Main Street in Torrington.

Since we spoke last, I've celebrated a birthday and on that occassion, hubby presented me with a dedicated work bench for my jewelry creating!! Oh yes, and a bench vice!! He's so thoughtful........he might have been more excited about it than I was!! Unfortunately, I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to set it up, let alone do any work on it. It's waiting for me though!

I'm doing a custom order for a friend: some charms that she's been waiting years to get and I'll be working in metal clay, which I'm also a bit excited about. I've also had in mind for almost a month now a new line which will also be crafted in metal clay. I haven't worked with metal clay in a little while so I'm looking forward to it! And........I just got an order for one of my metal clay pendants, "Words of Wisdom"! So, I guess metal clay is the direction in which I'm being led! I love it when things work out that way! Speaking of orders, I've had another through 1000Markets - one of the Copper Spinner Rings. They're proving to be pretty popular (thanks ????!!) but the purchaser hasn't gotten back to me on the size and finish! Maybe she'll stumble across this post ;-) If so, she'll be the first item created on my new jewelry bench!

As I mentioned, I've been busy. Busy with jewelry - I haven't even had time to promote my online shops recently which is bad! Also busy with my other businesses (which is good because it brings in the money!!!) and most of all, busy with family! Our weekends have been pretty jam packed lately, especially since we've found a church, and I love that we're spending time together. When you're doing what God intended, it all has a way of coming together and I'm on my way!

Lastly, I promised you some time ago pictures of my new packaging. I was aiming for simple but eye-catching. Not sure if I succeeded but I like it! If you recall, I had a custom stamp done by Cat of BabyJewels and I love it! I'm using brown craftpaper boxes and I had jewelry cards made through VistaPrint - they're nothing more than custom business cards. You know how bad I am at photography but I did my best. The color is a bit off - the jewelry cards are a light, bright green (the same shade as my banner) and the spirals are sort of sage. Obviously the box is brown but I think it looks a bit gray in the photos. So........let me know what you think!